Ancient words ever true; Changing me, and changing you. We have come with open hearts; Oh let the ancient words impart. (Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith; songwriter is Lynn Deshazo)
The Bible is unique. It has been around for about 2000 to 3500 years and was written in 3 languages by about 40 different authors over about 1500 years. The Bible is estimated to have sold 5-7 billion copies and is the most popular book in the world for all time. It has staying power. For 2000 years it has been changing lives. The words found in the Bible are God’s words to a broken world. The story of the Bible is one of God, out of love, rescuing us and giving us a full life. The Bible is different from other religious texts. Other religious texts talk about what we have to do to get right with God or the world. The Bible tells us what God has done to make us right with him.
We know that this world is not as it should be and we desire an utopia where we all can live in peace and harmony. Through the centuries we have tried to create utopias but for every attempt we have failed. We have failed because we are all self-centered and selfish. We live lives centered on ourselves. We are broken. We cannot save ourselves from ourselves. Our self-centered brokenness corrupts everything we try. We need an outside power to save us from ourselves.
Thank you, God, for coming to save us from ourselves. God loves us so very much that he came to earth in Jesus to rescue us and restore that relationship. God saves us and gives us a new life in him. We are not there yet but God is at work in our broken lives, changing us to be more like Jesus. Today, we still many times fail to follow God’s standards even though they are good for us. Fortunately, God’s forgiveness is there for us to allow us to start afresh. He wants the best for us. One day, Jesus will return and that desire for a peaceful utopia will become a reality. In the Bible, God gives us hope and life. The Bible is about his story of restoration for us.
This is why the Bible is the best selling book in the world for all time. A good summary of the main theme of the Bible can be found in the introduction to “The Jesus Storybook Bible”. “The Story and the Song” is a video of the introduction of the book. Yes, the book is aimed at kids, but the introduction points out what the Bible is not and what is the main theme of the Bible. It is all about Jesus. These ancient words are always true and life changing.
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